Picture frame



Dec. 27, 1932. R. SINGER ET AL PICTURE FRKME Filed Oct. 23. 1951INVENTORS fiazviz/ fii'zzger as 6 J07 zzzrw ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 27,1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RALIH SINGER, OF NILES CEIaTTER, ANDORESTE J". AGNINI, OF MAYWOOD, ILLINOIS PICTURE FRAME Application filedOctober 23, 1931.

on a supporting surface, such as a table or the like.

Another object of the invention is the provlslon of an improvedconstruction of the character indicated having special provlsionsfacilitating the removal and insertion of pictures or the like.

Other objects will appear hereinafter. The invention consists in thecombinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described andclaimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawing forming a part of this specification, and in which Fig. 1 is afront view of a picture frame embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 a bottom plan view of the same;

Fig. 3 a side view of the same; and

Fig. at a vertical section taken substantially on line 4-et of Fig. 1and showing the frame opened for insertion or removal of a picture.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing comprises aborder frame 10, preferably made of cast metal and having a centralsight opening 11 as inclicated. The sight opening 11 is surrounded onthe rear side by means of an integral flange 12 forming a recess 13 forthe reception of a glass plate 1 1, a picture 15, and a back member 16,as best indicated in Fig. 4. The back member 16 is preferably formed ofsheet metal having a central extension 17 at its lower end, saidextension 17 being provided at opposite sides with integral perforatedears or lugs 18 cooperating with corresponding lugs 19 on the lowerportion of the frame 10, apivot pin 20 pivotally securing said lugs, asbest shown in Fig. 2-. Arranged upon the pivot pin 20 are two coiledsprings 21 normally holding the back member 16 in closed Serial No.570,604.

position within the recess 13, in which position said back member willnormally hold the picture 15 tightly pressed against the rear of thesight glass 14.

The back member 16 is also provided with an integral easel member 22extending rearwardly from the lower edge of the extension 17 andcomprising diverging arms twisted at their ends to form supporting capsor pro jections 23, as indicated. Supporting lugs 24 are also formedinte rally as shown upon the lower edge of the frame 10. By thisarrangement, a simple and eflicient picture frame is provided wherebypictures and the like be readily inserted or removed and the frameadequately supported on a supporting surface in operative position, asindicated in Fig. 3. As will be noted, the arrangement is such that theweight of the frame, cooperating with the easel member 2223, serves tohold the back member normally in closed position, thereby assisting theaction of the springs provided also for that purpose.

lVhile we have illustrated and described the preferred form ofconstruction for carry- 7 ing our invention into effect, this is capableof variation and modification without departing from the spirit of theinvention. e, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precisedetails disclosed, but desire to avail ourselves of such variations andmodifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A construction ofthe class described comprising a frame member; aback member therefor hinged thereto; a spring holding said back membernormally closed; and an easel member carried by said back member andarrangedto support said frame member in operative position on asupporting surface.

2. A construction of the class described comprising a frame member; aback member therefor hinged thereto; a spring holding said back membernormally closed; and an easel member carried by said back member andarranged to support said frame member in operative position on asupporting surface and also hold said back member closed.

3. A construction of the class described comprising a frame memberhaving a sight being formed of sheet metal and having rearwardlyextending easel members formed integral with the lower portion thereofand adapted and arranged to support said frame member in operativeposition and at the same time hold said back member in said recess;

and a spring holding said back member normally insaid recess. 7 p

4. A construction of the class described comprising aframe member; abackmember ,hlnged thereto at the bottom thereof; andan easel member rigidlycarried by the lower portion of said back member'ancl arranged tosupport sa1cl frame member in operative position on a supporting surfaceand also hold said back member closed.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this QOthday ofOctober, 1931. RALPH SINGER.

ORESTE J. AGNINI.

